The project ‘An elevator for Brussels’ most vulnerable residents’ aims to reduce the digital divide in Brussels.
It is a six-year initiative, running from 2024 to 2029, made possible thanks to funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

The main objective is to promote digital inclusion by disseminating methodologies and promoting public computer centres (PCCs) as places where people with limited digital skills can get help, as well as by training the staff and volunteers who work in these centres.

At the heart of the project is the CABAN network, a collaboration between Brussels-based actors
involved in digital inclusion, including numerous Brussels public digital spaces, as well as a series
of organisations working in various ways in the field of digital support for citizens.

The partners in this project are:

• CABAN – Collectif des Acteurs Bruxellois de l’Accessibilité Numérique – www.caban.be
• FOBAGRA – Auberges numériques – www.fobagra.net
• ARC Cultures Bruxelles – and the “Public IT specialists” (Informaticiens Publics) – www.arc-culture-bruxelles.be
• Maks vzw – Media Actie Kuregem-Stad – www.maksvzw.org

Together, we are working towards:

• strengthen and promote the CABAN network
• organise awareness-raising activities and events in public spaces to help the most vulnerable residents of Brussels find their way to Digital Public Spaces (PCCs).
  Digital Public Spaces (PCCs)
• we also promote the network of ‘public IT specialists’ to facilitate complex online administrative procedures for citizens.
• targeted training and individual coaching are available for staff and volunteers who support people in digital public spaces.
• mediators/facilitators share their knowledge and experiences within the CABAN network to strengthen their skills as digital assistants.
• creating innovative learning methods and toolkits tailored to the Brussels public, to keep pace with rapid technological and digital developments (AI, online safety, digital wellbeing, etc.)

The ultimate ambition of the Digilift project is to make the most vulnerable residents of Brussels truly digitally independent.

This specifically concerns people with reading and writing difficulties, senior citizens, new arrivals, job seekers and even ex-prisoners.
Many of them struggle with everyday digital tasks such as making appointments online, enrolling their children in school or contacting the authorities.

We are aware of the fear and mistrust that some people may feel towards technology.
For this reason, we suggest an accessible approach, where our experienced guides, often from similar backgrounds,
demonstrate patience and understanding.
They speak the language of our audiences, both literally and figuratively.

Our personalised support, group training and peer learning enable us to help people develop
their digital skills gradually and solve specific digital-related problems.
The aim is not only to impart knowledge, but also to build self-confidence and encourage digital autonomy.
Digilift plays a key role in improving inclusion and solidarity in Brussels.